Spain is different, and so is its capital city. It is always a good idea to join a historical tour through Madrid’s old town in order to understand what makes it so special. It will help you understand the country, its culture, and at the same time, it will open you a new opportunity to meet Spaniards.
These guided visits are led by professional local guides, passionate about their history and their culture. This fact, will make the time spent with them an engaging journey through the cities’ most emblematic historical parts. You’ll deeply dive into the cities’ most iconic periods, and its social and political movements.
Additionally, our varied experiences’ offer is diverse and differentiated, and our professionals will provide you with a unique perspective of how the city is like. Below, you’ll be able to read a detailed guide with several options that will make you enjoy one of the most vibrant European capitals, in an sustainable way, and suitable for all ages.
- Highlights and other important places not to be missed
- A local point of view to understand our past & present
- Professional & licensed guides
Why do the historical tours in Madrid are observed as important tools to discover the Spanish culture?
Exploring a city through its history may provide any traveller with invaluable insights. In this sense, a historical tour in Madrid could be essential to get to know the Spanish culture and its identity. Kings, artists, cultures, political and artistic movements, revolutions… all these terms have shaped what our country was like in the past centuries, and what’s like at this current moment.
Spain, from the Arab times up to the XXI century has been full of events and moments that changed the course of locals citizens, as well as the world’s ideologies. Here you’ll get a glimpse of some of the most relevant milestones:
- Felipe II, Felipe II and Carlos II (known as the bewitched)
- Civil War & Franco’s dictatorship
- 15M and the Feminist movements
The Habsburg dynasty and the 2024 Monarchy
The cities’ iconic architecture (Plazas, churches, and royal buildings among others) was primarly built by the Habsburgs and later by the Bourbons. These were the two main dynasties that shaped Spain’s monarchy. This historical tour in Madrid will show you how each Royal family marked its era with unique architectural styles and cultural imprints, and to differentiate facts between them.
Walking through the area known as “Los Austrias” (near Plaza Santa Ana) , you’ll witness how the monarchs (both kings and queens) influenced not just the cities’ landscape, but also the inhabitants daily lives, and the traditions that Spaniards have kept over the centuries.
Highlights of the Habsburg Era:
- Puerta del Sol: Originally a key gate in the medieval city walls. It became a central point for urban planning, and social gathering, during the Habsburg period. (1550aD – 1650aD)
- Plaza Mayor: Designed as a grand public square. It hosted food markets, festivals, and even bullfights, reflecting the era’s social vibrancy. Ever heard ‘la inquisición‘?
- Casa de la Villa: This baroc building served as the town hall for centuries, showcasing the austere yet elegant architectural style typical of the Habsburgs.
Historical tours in Madrid around the city center
The downtown districts are like open-air museums. Every corner whispers stories of the past. Moreover, any good historical tour in Madrid will unveil the stories from medieval walls to modern plazas. The city offers a rich world of narratives that capture its evolution over the centuries. Walking through the narrow streets of Plaza de la Villa, you’ll encounter remnants of the cities’ medieval heritage, such as the ancient walls that once protected a growing settlement.
These structures serve as silent witnesses to the battles, alliances, and cultural exchanges that shaped Madrid into the capital of Spain.
The city center is also home to vibrant plazas like Plaza Mayor. Each stone in this iconic square holds a piece of history. Another unmissable highlight is Puerta del Sol, which has been transformed over centuries from a gateway in the city walls to a modern hub of commercial/social activity, steeped in political and cultural significance.
Beyond these magnificent sites, the city center’s charm lies in its details: intricate balconies, hidden courtyards, and traditional taverns where history and daily life blend seamlessly. Exploring these areas with a knowledgeable and friendly professional guide ensures you won’t just see the landmarks, but truly understand their significance.
Jewish heritage guided visit
Madrid’s Jewish heritage is often overlooked, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s diverse cultural tapestry. From culinary influences, to linguistic traces still evident in modern Spanish, Sephardic historial tour will help Israeli visitors understand the culture present in today’s Madrid.
For example, Lavapiés, once a thriving center of Sephardic culture, reveals a rich history of coexistence and resilience. As you walk through its winding streets, you’ll uncover the hidden remnants of this vibrant community, from ancient synagogues to cultural traditions that have left a lasting imprint on the city.
Artisans, scholars, and merchants from the Jewish community played pivotal roles in shaping the city’s economy and cultural exchanges. You will witness stories of coexistence and conflict, resilience and adaptation, offering a nuanced understanding of how the Jewish community influenced us, and how was it influenced by the city around it.
Getting to know the Civil War
Exploring the Spanish Civil War is to delve into one of the most turbulent and defining periods of Spain’s history. During this conflict (1936-1939), Madrid became one of the main focal points of the battle between Republican and Nationalist forces. Despite the fact that the leader of the historical tour in Madrid will not give his/her personal opinion, will still offer a deeper understanding of the magnitude of these events that changed Spain for the years to come.
These locations are only a fraction of the history, but they are essential to understanding how the Civil War shaped the city and the nation, leaving visible traces that are still part of Madrid’s urban landscape today.
- Plaza España & the university district (bunkers included)
- Parque del Oeste and Casa de Campo
The three most important buildings and highlights visited during the historical tours in Madrid.
The sites visited during the historical tour in Madrid are carefully selected to give visitors a comprehensive understanding of our past and present, showcasing the pivotal moments and figures that have shaped this vibrant capital. Madrid’s rich history is reflected in its stunning architecture and iconic landmarks, each of them offering a unique perspective on the city’s evolution.
The Royal Palace, Sol, and Plaza Mayor are among the must-visit landmarks, but each stop is more than just an architectural marvel. These places are imbued with history, from royal intrigue and cultural achievements to the stories of ordinary citizens that lived through times of great change.
Exploring these highlights offers visitors a glimpse into Madrid’s transformation from a medieval town to a modern metropolis, from a village to the capital of an empire.
Who are the specialists that will explain you about the Royal Palace and the Opera House?
Please note that the price that you will pay for our private historical tours in Madrid, does not only correspond to a two/three hours guided visit. Your money is directly related to the knowledge of Cooltourspain’s professionals. In this sense, all guides count with a university degree. Some of them studied at Complutense University, others at Carlos III campus.
For instance, let’s talk about Yago. This 33 years old madrileño, was born in a French speaking family. Consequently, you may expect him to lead walking tours either in this language, or a combination of English and Spanish. He studied Political science, and one of his favourite subjects was political history. Thus the knowledge that he gained during this educational period, showcases his ability to speak about what he studied.
Another team member is Esther. She graduated from Art history, and counts with a specialization on modern & contemporary art. Mrs. Fernandez’ll be able to teach you about the medieval heart of our city, or even take you to discover the history of Carabanchel. That’s her beloved neighborhood.
The historical tours in Madrid that will stop by the former town hall at Plaza de la Villa.
Calle Mayor is one of the most important streets along the city center. It goes from Almudena Cathedral, to Puerta del Sol, passing through Plaza de la Villa, which are all considered as historically rich locations. The majority of the times, these spots are observed on our historical tours in Madrid.
Once the heart of Madrid’s medieval political life, this square was home to the city’s town hall for centuries. Today, it remains as a living testament to the city’s early days and it is a must-see for those interested in Madrid’s evolution.
The former town hall building, with its striking architecture, showcases the city’s medieval urban planning, and provides an insightful look into the political and social life of the Middle Ages. Visitors can learn how this space, once one of the centers of administrative power in imperial Spain, has transformed over the years into a beloved historical site.
The square itself is a snapshot of the city’s evolution, where modern Madrid meets its past.
Plaza Mayor & Puerta del Sol from the 15M perspective
Both Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are iconic important landmarks, each of them with its own rich history. Furthermore, thanks to our historical tour in Madrid you’ll listen how they played a significant role in more recent political events, most notably the 15th March (“Indignados movement”).
The 15M Movement emerged in 2011 as a response to Spain’s economic crisis, and to the lack of political and social equity. Citizens demanded social justice, economic reforms, and greater democracy. Puerta del Sol became the epicenter of this movement, where thousands of (mostly young adults) people gathered to protest against government austerity measures. The plaza, known for its historical significance as the center of Madrid, took on a new meaning during these protests, symbolizing the voice of the people.
The 15M perspective adds a layer of contemporary history to these iconic locations, connecting past events with the present-day struggles of Madrid’s citizens.
Cooltourspain team members’ opinion about the historical tours in Madrid
According to Yago’s words, we love when the guests who take part of our historical tours of Madrid ask us tons of questions. You should note that we have studied the guided visit itself, not by heart, but by understanding our roots, and that we love to receive the feedback from the customers who book our services.
It also makes us understand what other travelleres think about our culture and our country. Are they biased by what they hear on the TV / Radio? What’s their previous knowledge about Spain? Do they know who Franco was?
These are some questions that we always have in mind before leading these historic walking experiences.
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